HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT IN A CHANGING WORLD: PRECEDENTS, DRIVERS, AND TACTICS FOR SUSTAINABLE COEXISTENCE

Abstract

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) has appeared as one of the most persistent maintenance challenges worldwide, driven by quick habitat fragmentation, agricultural growth, and growing overlap between human settlements and wildlife ranges. This review combines key ecological and anthropogenic drivers motivating HWCs, concentrating on how land-use change, resource competition, and behavioural adaptation in wildlife deepen contacts with humans. Global patterns divulge region-specific disputes such as, elephant crop-raiding in Asia, carnivore-livestock predation in Africa, and primate invasions in urbanizing landscapes, stressing the socio-ecological dimensions of HWC. The ecological consequences spread beyond direct human and wildlife losses; they disturb trophic interactions, alter species dispersal, and endanger long-term ecosystem stability. Mitigation processes have grown from traditional deterrent-based approaches to more scientific, landscape-oriented strategies. Modern interventions include geofencing, early-warning systems, habitat restoration, and scientifically designed barriers, while traditional knowledge systems continue to provide context-specific solutions. Community-based preservation models and wildlife corridors have proven effective in reducing spatial clash by ensuring safe animal movement and improving human tolerance through inclusive decision-making. By integrating ecological understanding, local community participation, and adaptive management, this review emphasizes the need for holistic conflict mitigation.